For someone with mysterious symptoms, a diagnosis marks a new beginning. It’s a milestone moment in the patient journey, with its ups and downs.

Darryl, who has a rare neurological disorder called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), remembers the relief that came when a technician “had an inkling” of what was causing the tingling in his arms and legs. That inkling was confirmed and Darryl was diagnosed with CIDP, which causes inflammation of the nerves and can impact a person’s ability to move their arms and legs.

“It was quite a moment to finally know what I was dealing with” he said.

Darryl was one of four CIDP patients who created paintings that represented different stages in their patient journey. Darryl shared diagnosis. Other patients used art to express what it’s like to experience prediagnosis, treatment and living with CIDP. Many thanks to these patients who generously agreed to share their stories in this collaboration with the GBS/CIDP Foundation of Canada.